How to Access The Pirate Bay When It Is Down [UPDATED FOR JUNE 2019]

Accessing The Pirate Bay allows you to reach the content that you want with a convenience that you need. Because torrenting sometimes involves copyright-protected materials, some countries have taken steps to block user access through their primary URL. You might also experience an ISP blockage because of localized tracking that sometimes occurs.

There are also times when The Pirate Bay goes down for maintenance. You might experience limited access because of a DDoS attack, server issue, or other technical problem. Instead of waiting for a recovery, there are practical steps that you can take to ensure that you receive the access you want at a time that is convenient for you.

1. Use the best working The Pirate Bay mirror for access.

Although you might not be able to reach the home URL for The Pirate Bay for a variety of reasons, it is still possible to access the content which is available on the site through the use of the most reliable mirror available right now. The quality of a functioning mirror is sometimes questionable, so it is essential that you always work with the best option.

2. Use a VPN to access The Pirate Bay.

When you have access to a secure virtual private network (VPN), then you can work around a potential blockage that is in place artificially to make it seem like The Pirate Bay is down. If you receive an error message in your browser instead of a blank white page, then this option can help you break through that obstacle. There are free VPNs available if you only want to download a file or two, but consistent torrenting typically require the advanced features of a paid account.

3. Access other working mirrors for The Pirate Bay.

If the first two options are not working for you for some reason, then several other active mirrors can help you to access the content that you want. The reliability of some of them can be questionable at times, even when you access lists that claim to be updated. Only use links that indicate their security certificates are up-to-date when choosing a mirror for the best possible results.

4. Use a proxy server to access The Pirate Bay.

Proxy servers act as a gateway between you and the Internet. It serves as an intermediary that separates you from the websites that you visit. Some are better than others, so it is essential that you find an option for The Pirate Bay which features the privacy, security, and functionality necessary to access your desired content. Think of this option as a firewall and a web filter that will work to keep your internal network protected from something dangerous.

5. Change your DNS protocols.

ISPs can use DNS blocking as a way to limit access to The Pirate Bay, which is useful for the average household since changing the specs of a connection is not something the average user does. You will need to change your adapter settings to restore the link you want with the torrenting site. Make sure that you choose a DNS server address that is 8.8.4.4. or 8.8.8.8 to ensure that you can get around that block.

#6. You can use Tor to access The Pirate Bay.

When ISPs are required to block access to The Pirate Bay or similar websites, then they are usually mandated to stop the hosting of a torrent file. This information contains trackers and metadata that allow your software to recognize the origination of the content. Seeding the file happens from various users around the world. The Tor network can help to get you there, and it feels familiar since the setup is similar to what you would experience with BitTorrent. If you feel unsure about trying this option, then an opportunity like Tails can provide you with a successful outcome.

Are You Ready to Access The Pirate Bay via PirateBay Proxies?

When you get to know The Pirate Bay better, then finding options for access whenever it goes down becomes an easy process. The variety of available choices make it possible for almost everyone to access the content they want at the perfect time.

Even though some might try to say otherwise, torrenting on its own is not illegal. Proactively blocking a site to make it seem like it went down when you want to access content is arguably just as unethical as blatantly downloading copyrighted items when comparing the two actions. Thankfully, with options like these, you’ll be able to access the content you want in almost any country.